President-elect Trump on Sunday again took on the matter of the Panama Canal, suggesting to a conference of his supporters that it be returned to U.S. control in a remarkable suggestion to push a sovereign country to cede territory.
Trump vowed swift action over the matter after he takes office in less than one month.
“It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions, you gotta treat us fairly and they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said at Turning Point’s “American Fest”
“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly and without question,” he added, using the similar language to a post he made on Truth Social the day before.
When an audience member yelled out “take it back” Trump replied: “That’s a good idea.”
The president-elect suggested in his social media post that the U.S was being ripped off, expressing frustration with fees charged to use the canal.
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S,” Trump said on Truth Social. “This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.”
For boats and ships to make use of the canal, Panama charges tariffs. Fees can differ based on size and what the vessels are used for, ranging from $0.50 to $300,000.
“To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!” Trump said Saturday on Truth Social.
Trump said in his “America Fest” appearance that “the United States is the number one user of the Panama Canal, with over 72 percent of all transits heading to or from U.S. ports.”
“Think of that. So, we built it, we’re the ones that use it, they gave it away,” he added.
